Blackfriars Parish Church

Mitchell Library, Glasgow Collection

Front view of Blackfriars Parish Church, also known as Old College Church, facing on to High Street c 1840. The church was built on the site of the old Dominican (or Black Friars') convent that was converted to a church after the Reformation.

The building was damaged beyond repair by lightning in 1670, and a new one erected in its place 1699-1701 at a cost of around £1,800 and with an inscription over the entrance, "Let Glasgow Flourish." The tower contained a bell over 7 feet in diameter (possibly salvaged from the original church tower), that was rung at 6 am and 6 pm each day.

The church was demolished in the 1870s, after the University of Glasgow moved to Gilmorehill, and a new Blackfriars Parish Church was built in Dennistoun.

Reference: Mitchell Library, GC 941.435 GOR

Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries, Information and Learning